Event listings are FREE of charge. Send your flyers/info to Scott at scotmckie@ebci-nsn.gov or to Cherokeeonefeather1966@gmail.com
BENEFITS/FUNDRAISERS
Turkey Shoot. June 27 at 5 p.m. at the Jesse Welch Turkey Shoot Facility in Kolanvyi (Big Cove). This is a fundraiser for Jesse Welch Jr. and the Turkey Shoot Grounds. Good fun, great prizes, great benefit.
Cornhole Tournament. July 5 at 10 a.m. at the Jesse Welch Turkey Shoot Facility in Kolanvyi (Big Cove). Cash prizes: $300, $200, $100. Register at 9 a.m., bags fly at 10 a.m. This is a fundraiser for Golden Girls Totsie Welch and Cindee West to attend the Senior Games in Des Moines, Iowa.
Turkey Shoot. July 12 at 5 p.m. at the Jesse Welch Turkey Shoot Facility in Kolanvyi (Big Cove). This is a fundraiser for Ava Walkingstick to attend NAYO. Good fun, great prizes, great benefit.
Cherokee Family Safety Program Ride. July 12 starting from 7923 Big Cove Rd. in Cherokee, N.C. Registration at 9 a.m., KSU at 12 p.m. $25 per rider, $30 with passenger. Proceeds will benefit the Cherokee Family Safety Program. Info: Thomas Wolfe (828) 269-8989
Cherokee Children’s Home Golf Tournament Fundraiser. Aug. 14-15 at the Sequoyah National Golf Course in Cherokee, N.C. This is a fundraiser for the Cherokee Children’s Home. $350 per golfer includes cart and green fees. Two-person teams, lunch provided each day. Tee times will be scheduled for each team by the Clubhouse. Call the course in advance to request a specific tee time at (828) 497-3000. Info: (828) 359-5575, cchevents@cherokeeboysclub.com
EBCI COMMUNITY EVENTS
Member Night at Museum of the Cherokee People. June 26 from 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Museum of the Cherokee People in Cherokee, N.C. Enjoy behind-the-scenes tours with Museum leadership, complimentary wine and charcuterie, and fellowship. Open to active museum members. Become a member at https://motcp.org/support-motcp
Anetso (stickball) Exhibition Game – Tsisqwohi (Birdtown) vs Walelu (Hummingbirds). June 28 at 12 p.m. at the Unity Field in Cherokee, N.C.
Eastern Band Cherokee Pow Wow. July 4-6 at the old Cherokee High School site off of Acquoni Rd. in Cherokee, N.C. MC: Rob Daugherty. Invited Northern Drums: Iron Swing, Medicine Tail, Young Buffalo Horse, Rattlesnake Mountain. Invited Southern Drums: Wild Band of Comanches, Iron Bow, Cozad, Pawnee Yellow Horse. Info: Daniel Tramper at dtramper@gmail.com
Big Y Community Fourth of July Celebration. July 4 at 7 p.m. at the Big Y Gym at 2641 Wrights Creek Rd. in Cherokee, N.C. Food, s’mores, duck derby, and fireworks. Everyone is welcome. Bring your chairs. Fireworks start at dark.
Cherokee Family Safety’s Family Field Day. July 26 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Unity Field in Cherokee, N.C. Slip N’ Slides, Kona Ice, Relay Races, community resource information, and a hot dog lunch provided.
NAIWA Blueberry Festival. Aug. 9 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Yellowhill Activity Center. Featuring blueberry pancakes. Vendor space is available for $10 per table. To reserve a table, call Lucille Wolfe (828) 736-5285
EBCI COMMUNITY REGULAR MEETINGS
Cherokee Storytellers meet the fourth Tuesday of every month from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Ray Kinsland Leadership building in Cherokee, N.C. All ages are welcome. The group shares stories and resources.
Cherokee storytelling and Cherokee history in the Snowbird Community Library at 60 Snowbird School Rd. in Robbinsville, N.C., every fourth Monday from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. All ages are welcome.
NAIWA (North American Indian Women’s Association, Inc.) Cherokee Chapter meets the second Thursday of each month at 4:30 p.m. at the West Senior Center in Cherokee, N.C. Eligibility for membership: any American Indian or Alaska Native or Canadian First Nations woman, 18 years of age or older, who is officially identified as a member of a federally recognized Indian Tribe/Nation. The meetings contain information on purpose and further aims. All who meet the eligibility are invited to attend.
NAIA Daughters meetings. Each meeting is from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Qualla Java in Cherokee, N.C. Meetings are scheduled for March 20, April 16, and May 18.
Cherokee History & Stories. Through June 2025 on the first Sunday of each month at 3 p.m. in the TJ Holland Education Room at the Museum of the Cherokee People in Cherokee, N.C. Museum of the Cherokee People welcomes storyteller and historian Kathi Littlejohn, a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, for Cherokee History & Stories. This free educational series will explore culturally significant places, stories, and key figures in Cherokee history. All are welcome to listen and learn; no registration is required.
Quallatown Makers will meet biweekly on Wednesdays from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the Museum of the Cherokee People Art Studio in Cherokee, N.C. Quallatown Makers is a free opportunity to gather as a group and be together while working on art. The goal of this group, organized and hosted by Museum of the Cherokee People, is to perpetuate Cherokee art and knowledge-sharing. Bring your own craft; all art forms are welcome. Coffee will be provided. Participants are welcome to bring their own snacks. This opportunity is open the Qualla Boundary community.
TRIBAL COUNCIL MEETINGS
(All meetings are held in the Cherokee Tribal Council House in Cherokee, N.C. unless otherwise noted.)
HEALTH & SPORTS EVENTS
Summer Basketball Clinic. June 2 through July 30 (Mondays and Wednesdays) at the Painttown Gym in Cherokee, N.C. Girls will be 5 p.m. to 6 p.m., Boys will be 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. Ages 5-12. Info: Call or text (828) 736-5586
Blood Drive in honor of Bambi Armachain Sneed. July 23 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Painttown Gym and Community Center at 10 Old Gap Rd. in Cherokee, N.C. To make an appointment or for more information, call 1-800-REDCROSS (1-800-733-2767 or visit RedCrossBlood.org and enter sponsor code “Painttown”.
POW WOW LISTINGS
24th Annual Miami Nation Pow Wow. June 27-28 at the Miami Nation Arena in Miami, Okla. MC: Marty Thurman. Head Singer: Rylon George Brady. Info: Julie Olds (918) 541-1300, jolds@miamination.com
65th Annual Eastern Shoshone Indian Days Pow Wow. June 27-29 at Fort Washakie Pow Wow Grounds in Fort Washakie, Wyo. Emcees: Corey Reeder and George Abeyta. Host Drum: Black Lodge. Info: Claw Tillman (307) 349-5913, esecommittee@gmail.com
A Path to Healing 4th Annual Sandoval & Family Contest Pow Wow and Gourd Dance. June 27-28 at Chief Manuelito Middle School in Gallup, N.M. MC: Nick Brokeshoulder. Host Northern Drum: Wild Krew. Host Southern Drum: Southern Defiance. Info: Ryan Sandoval (505) 457-6827
Bay Mills Indian Community 34th Annual Honoring Our Veterans Pow Wow. June 27-29 at the Bay Mills Indian Community in Brimley, Mich. Emcees: Shannon Martin and Angie Sanchez. Info: (906) 248-8100, bmicpowwow@gmail.com
Texas Indian Heritage Association 67th Annual Summer Pow Wow. June 27-28 at the Gatesville Civic Center in Gatesville, Texas. MC: Harold Rogers. Host Southern Drum: Enemy Horse. Info: Jerry Simmons at jsimmons@quixnet.net
6th Annual Standing Horse Route 66 Pow Wow. June 28-29 in Winslow, Ariz. MC: Erny Zah. Info: standinghorsepowwow@gmail.com
United Houma Nation 13th Annual Celebrating Abilities/Disabilities Awareness Pow Wow. June 28-29 at the Barry P. Bonvillain Civic Center in Houma, La. MC: Hah-Tee Delgado. Host Northern Drum: Medicine Tail. Host Southern Drum: Youngbird. Info: Jared Crosby (985) 223-3093, powwow@unitedhoumanation.org
White River Wacipi. June 28-29 in Crawford, Neb. MC: Elroy Cross. Invited Drums: Wanblee Teca, Eagle Nest. Info: Bart Torbert (303) 949-4605, whiteriverwacipi@gmail.com
158th Annual Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate Wacipi. July 4-6 in Agency Village, S.D. Emcees: Tommy Christian and Harold Blacksmith. Host Drum: Black Stone. Info: Jody Owen (605) 265-3577 or Darwin James (605) 419-1944.
43rd Annual Baatweting Homecoming Pow Wow. July 4-6 at the Sault Tribe Pow Wow Grounds in Sault St. Marie, Mich. Emcees: Shannon Martin and Beedahsiga Elliot. Info: Becki Miller (906) 635-6510, rmiller@saulttribe.net
Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians Pow Wow. July 4-6 at the old Cherokee High School site in Cherokee, N.C. MC: Rob Daugherty. Invited Northern Drums: Iron Swing, Medicine Tail, Young Buffalo Horse, Rattlesnake Mountain. Invited Southern Drums: Wild Band of Comanches, Iron Bow, Cozad, Pawnee Yellow Horse. Info: Daniel Tramper (828) 399-0835, dtramper@gmail.com
Northern Navajo 4th of July Gourd Dance and Pow Wow. July 4-5 at the Northern Navajo Pow Wow Grounds in Shiprock, N.M. Emcees: Erny Zah and Michael Lowe. Host Northern Drum: Iron Bear. Host Southern Drum: Towering Mountain. Info: Charlene Dearly (505) 368-5070, nnfpwc@yahoo.com
79th Annual Pawnee Indian Veterans Homecoming. July 3-6 at Moses Yellowhorse Memorial Field in Pawnee, Okla. Info: (918) 762-3621
104th Annual Mashpee Wampanoag Pow Wow. July 4-6 at 483 Great Neck Rd. S. in Mashpee, Mass. MC: David Pocknett Jr. Host Drum: Wicozani. Info: mashpeewampanoagpowwow@gmail.com
SUPPORT GROUPS
Alcoholics Anonymous meets every Thursday at 6:30 p.m. at Analenisgi. Info: www.AAwnc80.com
Celebrate Recovery meets every Tuesday at 6 p.m. at the Cherokee Baptist Church at 812 Tsalagi Road, in Cherokee, N.C. This is a Christ-centered recovery program for anyone struggling with hurt, hang-ups, and habits of any kind. All are welcome. Info: Chris McMillan (828) 788-5410
Cherokee Cancer Support Group, potluck dinner with a speaker the first Thursday of each month at 5:30 p.m. at Betty’s Place, 40 Goose Creek Rd, Cherokee, N.C. Anyone is welcome to attend the potluck. The group provides educational and emotional support to clients and families of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians members with cancer. The group can provide financial assistance for fuel, lodging, and transportation and also can assist with mastectomy items, nutritional supplements, wigs, and related products. The group can volunteer to take a client to their appointment if it is requested in a timely manner. Betty’s Place is open Monday through Fridays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Info: (828) 497-0788
Life@WesternCarolina. each Wednesday morning during the academic school year the Life@ group meets on the campus of Western Carolina University in Cullowhee, N.C. For those over the age of 50 and looking for ways to engage with the community. To learn more or register visit life.wcu.edu or contact Western Carolina University Educational Outreach (828) 227-7397.
MARA (Medication-Assisted Recovery Anonymous) meets Thursdays at 5 p.m. in the Rivercane Room at Analenisgi. Info: Analenisgi (828) 497-9163 or visit: https://cherokeehospital.org/locations/analenisgi
Narcotics Anonymous meets on Mondays at 6 p.m. at the Cherokee Indian Hospital. Info: North Carolina NA Helpline (855) 227-6272, or www.NA.org
WESTERN N.C. & BEYOND EVENTS
Cherokee Culture Series at the Jackson County Public Library in Sylva, N.C. Info: Laura Chapman at lchapman@fontanalib.org
- Traditional Cherokee Cuisine with Amy and John Postoak. June 26 at 6 p.m. in the Community Room.
George Masa photography exhibition. Now through Aug. 15 at Western Carolina University’s Mountain Heritage Center in Cullowhee, N.C. The exhibition is entitled “A Stranger No More: George Masa and His Art”. The exhibition features a remarkable collection of George Masa’s original photographs—some never before seen—drawn from the William A. Hart, Jr. and Alice Huff Hart Masa Collection housed in WCU’s Hunter Library Special Collections. These images are displayed alongside Masa’s recently acquired camera and tripod, now part of the Mountain Heritage Center’s collection. Admission is free. The Mountain Heritage Center is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. or by appointment. Info: (828) 227-7129 or https://www.wcu.edu/engage/mountain-heritage-center/
Elaine Neil Orr in conversation with Annette Saunooke Clapsaddle, will share her new novel, “Dancing Woman”. June 26 at 6 p.m.at City Lights Bookstore in Sylva, N.C. Info: (828) 586-9499.
J.A.M. Live 4th of July Independence Day Concert. July 4 at 12 p.m. the Smoky Mountain Campground at 1840 W. Deep Creek Rd. in Bryson City, N.C. Info: https://smokymtncampground.com
New Echota ‘First Saturday Hike’. July 5 from 10am to 11:30 a.m. at the New Echota State Historic Site at 1211 GA225 in Calhoun, Ga. Visitors will join their ranger for the morning and explore the nature trails at New Echota-Cherokee Capital State Historic Site. Escape the summer heat and step into the past. New Echota offers shaded trails, historic buildings, and fascinating tales to keep you cool and captivated. All ages are invited to join the ranger for this event. The hike will be easy to moderate in difficulty. Info: Interpretive Ranger Amanda McCollum – Williams (706) 624-1321
Angel Medical Center hosting Surgical Services Open House. July 11 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Angel Medical Center at 124 One Center Court in Franklin, N.C. See the hospital’s newest robotic surgical technology, meet providers, and learn more about the variety of services offered. Light refreshments will be served.
New Echota-Cherokee Capitol Jr. Ranger Family Camp Day. July 12 at the New Echota State Historic Site at 1211 GA225 in Calhoun, Ga. This will be held at various locations on the site from 10 a.m. through 3 p.m. Different activities will be led by Rangers, such as Cherokee weapons demo, nature hikes, and archaeology dig box. Plan a visit to New Echota-Cherokee Capital SHS for family-friendly activities, scenic views, and a walk-through time. This event is for the whole family to participate in. Families will spend the day learning about history and nature during some much-needed family time. Participants will have the chance to earn a Jr. Ranger badge with their families during a beautiful Saturday at New Echota historic site. This program is not considered a drop-off camp. Parents must remain and participate with their child. Info: Interpretive Ranger Amanda McCollum – Williams (706) 624-1321
Swain County Democratic Party monthly meeting. July 14 at 7 p.m. at the United Community Bank (Community Room, enter on back side of bank) at 145 Slope St. in Bryson City, N.C. There is also a Zoom option. Email swaincountydems@gmail.com to receive an agenda and Zoom link. All Democrat and unaffiliated voters are invited to attend.
New Echota-Cherokee Capital hosts Pollinators 101. July 19 at the New Echota State Historic Site at 1211 GA225 in Calhoun, Ga. The program will be held next to the picnic area by the pollinator boxes at 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. Visitors will learn about different pollinator species such as bees, wasps, and butterflies. The Rangers will give participants information about different plant species that allow pollinators to thrive. Participants will also learn how they can help save Georgia’s pollinators. Info: Interpretive Ranger Amanda McCollum – Williams (706) 624-1321
Vann House Day. July 26 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Chief Vann House Georgia State Historic Site at 82 Hwy 225N in Chatsworth, Ga. Demonstrations and activities like that of an 1800s farming family. Local craftspeople will demonstrate 19th century skills such as blacksmithing, quilting, weaving, blow guns, and more. The Vann Mansion, Cherokee Farmstead, Vann Kitchen, and Museum will be open for self-guided tours. Enjoy live fiddle music. Info: (706) 695-2598, vann_house_park@dnr.ga.gov
New Echota-Cherokee Capital celebrates World Ranger Day. July 31 at 10 a.m. at the New Echota State Historic Site at 1211 GA225 in Calhoun, Ga. It starts with a Ranger-guided tour starting at 10 a.m. Park officials note, “World Ranger Day is celebrated around the globe, and we would like to take this day to recognize all the work done by past, present, and future Rangers around the world that work to ensure the preservation of our nation’s historic treasures and natural beauty. To truly explain the role of Park Rangers, first one must know the history of our parks and the road the first Rangers had to transverse to get to the role they hold today.” Info: Interpretive Ranger Amanda McCollum – Williams (706) 624-1321
New Echota ‘First Saturday Hike’. Aug. 2 from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the New Echota State Historic Site at 1211 GA225 in Calhoun, Ga. Visitors will join their ranger for the morning and explore the nature trails at New Echota-Cherokee Capital State Historic Site. Escape the summer heat and step into the past. New Echota offers shaded trails, historic buildings, and fascinating tales to keep you cool and captivated. All ages are invited to join the ranger for this event. The hike will be easy to moderate in difficulty. Info: Interpretive Ranger Amanda McCollum – Williams (706) 624-1321
Sequoyah Remembrance Day. Aug. 3 from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Sequoyah Birthplace Museum in Vonore, Tenn. “This is a day to remember the man who gave the Cherokee people their own written language,” said Charlie Rhodarmer, Museum manager/director. “In 5,000 years of human civilization, Sequoyah is the only person, not literate in any language, who created a written language for his people.” Free admission to the Museum. Info: Museum at (423) 884-6246
New Echota-Cherokee Capitol hosts “Come Fly with Me: birding hike!”. Aug. 23 at 10 a.m. at the New Echota State Historic Site at 1211 GA225 in Calhoun, Ga. The Ranger guided hike will be traversing the nature trails to the beaver pond, the best birding spot on the entire site. The ranger will discuss the different species of birds that call New Echota home along with some species that have vanished from our local landscape. Rangers will also be discussing the relationship between birds and the Cherokee and their significance to their culture. Info: Interpretive Ranger Amanda McCollum – Williams (706) 624-1321
Cherokee Fall Festival. Sept. 6-7 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day at the Sequoyah Birthplace Museum in Vonore, Tenn. Cherokee arts and crafts demonstrations, music, and dance; blacksmith demonstrations; special entertainment; and more. Tickets: Adults – $10, Children 13-18 – $5, Children 12 and under are free. Family rate is $25 (two adults and two children 13-18). Info: Museum at (423) 884-6246